Class Update :)

Well, we're a week or so into the Poli Sci classes, and things are going really well! The students are excited and engaged. I must say that it is really refreshing as a teacher to walk into class everyday to enthusiastic students who are absolutely eager to discuss what is going on. Needless to say, I'm feeling very good about the classes.

I am really pumped about the blogs. Students are beginning to write their blogs and you can really sense the passion in their writings. The idea of the blogs is basic...to extend class discussions beyond the 40 minutes of class. It is great to see them thinking, writing and engaging with each other to discuss the issues. As a teacher, I am beginning to see the value of blogs as an educational tool. My brain is churning as to how to use them further in other classes.

In election news, it looks like McCain has gotten a nice post-convention bounce. I think its too early to tell if it is real or not. As many have noted, his campaign in now really reaching the Conservative base with the choice of Palin. She is turning into quite the rockstar! The Republicans are enthusiastic about her. I think much of the jump we're seeing in McCain's numbers is a reflection of that enthusiasm.

However, what we all need to remember is the electoral college. That's how they win my friends. National polls don't help us understand the electoral college. Most hypothetical maps still show Obama with an advantage in the electoral count.

There's a great summary of this here.